title: Screening of testicular descent in older boys is worthwhile: an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Testicular descent in boys is now routinely screened only once, at 6-8 weeks of age. Early surgery for undescended testes is recommended.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the value of screening for testicular descent at 6-8 weeks, 8-9 months, and 39-42 months of age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow and the Scottish community-based Child Health Surveillance Programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Screening data for boys undergoing surgery for abnormal testicular descent between April 2006 and September 2007 was reviewed. The main outcome measure was median age at first operation for abnormal testicular descent comparing attendance at screening with non-attendance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Boys who attended screening underwent surgery at a significantly younger median age than boys who did not attend screening at 6-8 weeks (2.7 versus 7.7 years; P<0.001); 8-9 months (4.5 versus 9.7 years; P<0.001); and 39-42 months (7.8 versus 10.8 years; P = 0.014). A new diagnosis was made in 33% (42 of 128 boys) at 6-8 weeks, 28% (21/74) at 8-9 months, and 39% (15/38) at 39-42 months. Detection on screening did not always trigger referral. Referral was triggered by screening in 48% (62/128) of cases, and by incidental examinations in 27% (34/128).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The previous screening regimen was effective, but checks at 8-9 months and 39-42 months have recently been abolished. Reinstatement of screening for testicular descent in older boys is advocated because screened boys underwent surgery at a younger age. Doctors should be encouraged to check testicular descent in boys throughout childhood, and refer promptly when there is any concern.
authors.affiliation: Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow.
authors.forename: Andrew G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Neilson
authors.forename: Gregor M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D012017:Referral and Consultation